Who Is Manish Malhotra? Early life : All about him...

Manish Malhotra is one of India’s most iconic fashion designers, best known for his contributions to Bollywood costume design, as well as his opulent couture and bridal collections. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has become synonymous with glamour, luxury, and Indian craftsmanship.

Early Life

Manish Malhotra was born on 5 December 1966 in Mumbai, India. The Indian Express+2The Times of India+2 He grew up in a Punjabi household and developed a deep fascination for films from a young age. India Today+1 He himself has mentioned that academics didn’t interest him much — instead, he gravitated to painting, sketching, and designing clothes. India Today In fact, in sixth grade, he joined a painting class simply because he loved it. India Today

His mother’s clothes, Bollywood films, and the world of costumes influenced him heavily. He would often advise his mother on her outfits — an early sign of his design instinct. India Today For school, he went to Sacred Heart Boys High School in Mumbai, and later studied Arts at Elphinstone College. Rich and Famous+1

Early Career: From Modeling to Costume Design

During his college years, Manish started modeling — working for brands like Frooti, Weekender, and others. Rich and Famous He saved money from modeling assignments (reportedly around ₹90,000) and traveled to places like Bangkok and Singapore. Rich and Famous

When he returned to Mumbai, he joined a boutique (Equinox in Bandra) and was paid just ₹500 a month — his first formal salary. India Today+1 He used this job as a kind of informal training ground: sketching for hours, draping mannequins, learning by doing. India Today He has often said he is completely self-taught and never had formal fashion design schooling. The Times of India+1

His big break came around age 25, when he got a chance to work on a Bollywood film. India Today That project was Swarg (1990), which marked his early entry into Bollywood costume design. Manish Malhotra

Rise in Bollywood & Career Growth

Manish’s career as a costume designer took off quickly. A turning point was the 1995 film Rangeela, starring Urmila Matondkar, for which his costume design won critical acclaim. Manish Malhotra+1 He won the Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design for Rangeela, which cemented his reputation in the film industry. Manish Malhotra

From there, he worked on a series of major Bollywood films, designing for top actors and actresses. Over time, he became known not just as a costume designer, but also as a stylist, shaping the visual identity of characters on screen. Fashion Design Council of India+1 His design aesthetic combined traditional Indian elements (like rich embroidery, luxe fabrics) with glamour suited to cinematic storytelling.

Entrepreneurial Journey & Fashion Label

• 1998: Malhotra teamed up with friends (including industrialist Kajal Anand and Yash & Avanti Birla) to design collections for their store, Reverie. Manish Malhotra+1

• He also collaborated with Sheetal Design Studio, setting up a workshop and becoming closely associated with their store on Grant Road in Mumbai, where his designs were retailed exclusively for several years. Kuchewar

• 2005: Launch of his eponymous couture label, Manish Malhotra, which includes bridal wear, couture lines, men’s wear, and bespoke collections. Wikipedia

• 2006: He opened his first flagship store overseas in Dubai, catering to a global clientele, especially in the Middle East. Wikipedia

• 2008: First flagship stores in India (Mumbai, Khar West). Wikipedia

• 2013: Opened a massive standalone store in Delhi (Mehrauli), around 6,000 sq ft, designed with Malhotra’s signature opulence (arches, high ceilings, vintage chandeliers). Wikipedia

• 2016: Partnered with Etihad Airways to present a virtual reality fashion show at Lakmé Fashion Week. Wikipedia

• 2018: Launched Manish Malhotra Beauty, a makeup line in collaboration with MyGlamm. Wikipedia

• 2021: Entered the digital/crypto space by launching NFTs (non-fungible tokens) — sketches and animations of five couture pieces worn by celebrities. Wikipedia

• 2023: Diversified into high jewellery with the DIAMONDS line. Wikipedia He also opened his first international flagship store in Dubai Mall, becoming the first Indian designer to do so. Wikipedia He has expanded into other lifestyle verticals (uniform design for Air India, designer laminates in collaboration with a wood brand, and more). Wikipedia

• 2024: Played a major role in designing for one of India’s most high-profile weddings (Anant Ambani & Radhika Merchant), infusing tradition with grand modern aesthetics. Wikipedia

Vision, Design Philosophy & Craft Revival

Malhotra’s design language is deeply rooted in Indian craftsmanship. He has repeatedly stressed his commitment to reviving traditional techniques — for example:

• Chikankari (from Mijwan) Fashion Design Council of India+1

• Phulkari embroidery (Punjab) Fashion Design Council of India

• Resham (silk) embroidery and tilla work Fashion Design Council of India

• Benarasi weaves (Benares / Varanasi) Fashion Design Council of India

Through his fashion, he tries to tell a story: weaving character, heritage, and modernity. Fashion Design Council of India On the social-impact front, he has worked with the Mijwan Welfare Society (an NGO started by Kaifi Azmi and run by Shabana Azmi) to provide employment to rural artisans. Manish Malhotra+1

Major Achievements & Awards

1. Filmfare Awards

   • Won the Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design for Rangeela (1995) — one of his earliest major recognitions. Manish Malhotra

   • Over his career, he has won multiple awards for costume design in films. The Indian Express

2. Bollywood Influence

   • He has styled more than 800 films (per some sources), and his work has shaped the fashion identity of several major Bollywood stars. Teen Vogue+1

   • He’s considered a pioneer in bringing cinematic glamour into mainstream Indian fashion, influencing how characters are dressed and how audiences perceive style. Teen Vogue

3. Business & Retail Expansion

   • Launched and expanded a luxury brand with global reach (flagship stores in India and Dubai). Wikipedia

   • Diversified into beauty (make-up line), high jewellery, and lifestyle products — showing strong entrepreneurial vision. Wikipedia

   • Innovated in fashion presentation: virtual reality shows, runway collaborations, and digital fashion (NFTs) — blending technology with couture. Wikipedia

4. Social & Cultural Impact

   • Revived and promoted traditional Indian crafts through his collections and social initiatives. Fashion Design Council of India

   • Supported rural artisans via partnerships and philanthropic work, helping preserve age-old embroidery traditions. Manish Malhotra

5. Recognition by Fashion Bodies

   • His work is celebrated by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI); he is regularly featured as a leading couturier and costume designer. Fashion Design Council of India

Challenges & Personal Moments

Malhotra’s journey was not without struggle. In interviews, he has spoken about:

• Financial constraints: He couldn’t afford to go abroad for formal fashion education, so he built his own “school” by working in boutiques and sketching for hours. India Today

• Personal loss: One of his toughest moments was the death of his close friend and frequent collaborator, actress Sridevi, in 2018. The Times of India

• Ever-evolving fashion demands: Staying relevant in both cinema and high fashion over decades requires constant innovation, especially as tastes change and new designers emerge.

Legacy and Influence

Manish Malhotra is more than a fashion designer — he's a cultural storyteller. By marrying Bollywood’s cinematic flair with handcrafted Indian traditions, he has:

• Redefined bridal and couture fashion in India.

• Created a brand that appeals to both Indian and international audiences.

• Elevated traditional crafts, giving them a contemporary platform.

• Served as a mentor and inspiration to younger designers.

• Blurred boundaries between costume design and commercial fashion.

He’s not only left an indelible mark on Bollywood but has also built a global business that celebrates Indian heritage in a luxurious, modern way.

Conclusion

Manish Malhotra’s story is a powerful example of passion, perseverance, and creativity. From a boy sketching clothes in Mumbai to becoming one of India’s most celebrated designers, his journey reflects a deep love for cinema and craft. With his couture label, social initiatives, and constant innovation, he continues to shape the future of Indian fashion — while honoring its rich cultural roots.